Unlike many other popular beach vacation resorts, Puerto Vallarta is actually several destinations in one. Situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico just south of Baja California, the Banderas Bay area offers more than 34 miles of incomparable coastline in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit – and innumerable activities that are affordable and easily accessible.

For those who just want to relax, miles and miles of beautiful golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay of Banderas. And with 322 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 80 degrees F, Puerto Vallarta is one of the few places on Earth that can boast an “ideal” climate for sun worshipers.

With picture-perfect weather and extraordinary natural beauty, outdoor recreation around the bay is limitless. Traditional sports like golf and tennis are unforgettable. This region is one of Mexico’s leading golf destinations with golf courses designed by some of the world’s greatest golfers including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Robert von Hagge.

Puerto Vallarta is also a major tennis destination with a growing number of tennis clubs, classes, workshops and tournaments each year. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing whale watching and sportsfishing await you in the warm, clear waters of Banderas Bay and the Mexican Pacific.

On land you can explore the Sierra Madre Mountains and jungles on an exciting excursion provided by one of the area’s many professional tour operators. If you prefer to do a little exploring on your own, the quiet pleasures and local colors of Mexico are waiting to be discovered in a variety of unique and inviting fishing villages and beachside retreats.

A recent Travel and Leisure Magazine Readers’ Survey listed Puerto Vallarta as the number one beach destination in Latin America because of the wide variety of beach communities and sleepy seaside villages around the bay. During your stay, be sure to explore these towns and enjoy a genuine taste of the real Mexico.